More Information

Ernst: Review of 2050 plan should give everyone a chance to weigh in

Published: Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 6:42 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 6:42 p.m.

Sarasota businessman and community activist John Krotec raised valid points in a letter to the editor March 7th about Sarasota County’s review of its 2050 plan.

The plan is a blueprint to preserve open space east of Interstate 75, and to ensure that any development there does not raise taxes for the people already here, or lower their quality of life by overcrowding roads and schools.

As Krotec notes, 2050 provides a strong foundation for smart growth and the avoidance of sprawl. Even so, “prudent communities constantly re-evaluate their plans,” he wrote. He advised everyone not to fear the process.

He’s right about 2050. However, it’s easy to see why the public might have some misgivings over how the review process has evolved so far.

It started in September when, during a County Commission planning workshop, the commissioners asked their land-use planners to confer with developer Pat Neal and principals of Lakewood Ranch about their problems with 2050.

That led to two meetings involving the developers and top county staff, including County Administrator Randall Reid. After a report to the commissioners in November, staff members decided they needed to talk with about 10 more large landowners. They set up more individual meetings.

The meetings were not recorded. Staff members took notes. Then they called everyone together for another conclave to ensure they had an accurate depiction of concerns.

In late January, Planning Director Tom Polk presented to the commissioners a list of 38 elements of 2050 that developers and large land holders would like to change. Each calls for a relaxation of the rules.

Naturally, developers and builders, along with the array of bankers, attorneys and real estate agents who work with them, probably have the most intimate knowledge of the technical aspects of 2050.

On the other hand, they are in the real estate business. And while their interests may coincide neatly with the greater public interest, that may not be the case with the proposed changes for 2050.

What does the public think about development east of the interstate?

The public does know that after a series of private meetings, there is a framework for changes to 2050. And, developers and the construction industry have contributed heavily to election campaigns.

To hear from the public, the county planning staff has scheduled two gatherings, at 5:30 p.m. March 13 and 20 at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road.

However, the format doesn’t compare to the private setting provided to developers to voice their complaints. It is not a public hearing. It will feature displays on tables.

The commissioners and planning director Polk say their minds are open. Polk met Thursday with representatives from the Audubon Society, the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Control Growth Now and the Sierra Club. They presented a list of 22 changes for 2050.

If those get the same consideration as the developers’ proposals, it will go a long way toward alleviating perceptions of favoritism.

Maybe the real point here is that people need to pay attention and get involved. Polk welcomes email comments addressed to planner@scgov.net.

<p>Sarasota businessman and community activist John Krotec raised valid points in a letter to the editor March 7th about Sarasota County's review of its 2050 plan.</p><p>The plan is a blueprint to preserve open space east of Interstate 75, and to ensure that any development there does not raise taxes for the people already here, or lower their quality of life by overcrowding roads and schools.</p><p>As Krotec notes, 2050 provides a strong foundation for smart growth and the avoidance of sprawl. Even so, “prudent communities constantly re-evaluate their plans,” he wrote. He advised everyone not to fear the process.</p><p>He's right about 2050. However, it's easy to see why the public might have some misgivings over how the review process has evolved so far.</p><p>It started in September when, during a County Commission planning workshop, the commissioners asked their land-use planners to confer with developer Pat Neal and principals of Lakewood Ranch about their problems with 2050.</p><p>That led to two meetings involving the developers and top county staff, including County Administrator Randall Reid. After a report to the commissioners in November, staff members decided they needed to talk with about 10 more large landowners. They set up more individual meetings.</p><p>The meetings were not recorded. Staff members took notes. Then they called everyone together for another conclave to ensure they had an accurate depiction of concerns.</p><p>In late January, Planning Director Tom Polk presented to the commissioners a list of 38 elements of 2050 that developers and large land holders would like to change. Each calls for a relaxation of the rules.</p><p>Naturally, developers and builders, along with the array of bankers, attorneys and real estate agents who work with them, probably have the most intimate knowledge of the technical aspects of 2050.</p><p>On the other hand, they are in the real estate business. And while their interests may coincide neatly with the greater public interest, that may not be the case with the proposed changes for 2050.</p><p>What does the public think about development east of the interstate? </p><p>The public does know that after a series of private meetings, there is a framework for changes to 2050. And, developers and the construction industry have contributed heavily to election campaigns.</p><p>To hear from the public, the county planning staff has scheduled two gatherings, at 5:30 p.m. March 13 and 20 at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road. </p><p>However, the format doesn't compare to the private setting provided to developers to voice their complaints. It is not a public hearing. It will feature displays on tables.</p><p>The commissioners and planning director Polk say their minds are open. Polk met Thursday with representatives from the Audubon Society, the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Control Growth Now and the Sierra Club. They presented a list of 22 changes for 2050.</p><p>If those get the same consideration as the developers' proposals, it will go a long way toward alleviating perceptions of favoritism.</p><p>Maybe the real point here is that people need to pay attention and get involved. Polk welcomes email comments addressed to planner@scgov.net.</p>